It’s no secret that the New York Giants have a significant decision to make at quarterback: 38-year old Eli Manning or talented Duke rookie, Daniel Jones. The G-Men are definitely at a critical crossroads. If you look at the Giants organization through the lens of their imminent and quite imperative rebuild, Daniel Jones seems to be the necessary direction of the franchise. This past offseason, the already struggling team lost the employment status of exceptional talents in Odell Beckham Jr., Landon Collins, and Olivier Vernon. However, in reading a recent article from Giants reporter Dan Duggan, comments from Giants co-owner John Mara add confusion and lack of direction to the stirring pot: “I’m not very patient. I take the losses pretty hard. But I understand that you have to make decisions that are in the best interests of your team in the long run and not worry about the short-term as much. I hope Eli has a great year and Daniel never sees the field. That would be an ideal world.” These two statements by Mara are quite difficult to reconcile. A commitment to an aging Manning and long-term interests of the team seem to cancel each other out. I can sympathize with Mara’s desire to win with Manning one last time and then part ways, but he also understands that his franchise is not in a position to win right now. Mara has a young quarterback ready to be handed the keys to a rebuilding franchise, and yet he doesn't seem willing to take that step. Ultimately, commitment is necessary with one of the two quarterbacks, instead of lofting up confusing statements on the direction of the New York Football Giants. We see a similar situation in scripture on committing to a certain direction. When we open up our Bibles to the sixth chapter of Matthew (NIV), Jesus speaks about storing up treasures in heaven instead of on earth. He makes this profound statement in verse 24: “'No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’” The word “money,” which is translated in Greek as “mammon,” is essentially wealth personified. Jesus clearly states that serving Him involves no other competing service to anything or anyone else. A full surrender to Christ is a surrender to Him only. In Romans 6:18 (NIV), Paul writes, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Jesus does not save us so we can then serve whoever and whatever we want. He is not simply a get-out-of-hell-free card, but our new Master. Unlike our previous master of sin, He is a good, gracious, and merciful Master. So, let this be a reminder as we follow Jesus each day. Let us serve only Him and ask the Holy Spirit to help keep us from serving other masters. I’m Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are a good and faithful Master. Thank you for saving me from my old master of sin. Help me to surrender to You daily. Protect me from serving other masters, whether objects or people. Help me continue to commit to serving You. In Jesus Name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Do you serve anything or anyone as your master other than Jesus?
How do you view Jesus - as your new Master or as something else?
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